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Boys' high school basketball recruiting class rankings for 2026

Duke has a top-3 recruiting class exiting the early signing window -- but is in the mix to challenge Missouri for the top spot if it lands any of the 2026 five-stars still left on the board. Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

The dust has finally settled from an incredibly busy early signing period, in which at least 10 SC Next 100 prospects announced their commitments -- including two top-10 players and six others ranked inside the top 30. There are still plenty of high-level prospects left on the board entering the winter, with seven top-10 prospects and 11 five-stars overall uncommitted.

When it comes to class rankings, here are the storylines to monitor moving forward:

Can anyone catch Missouri? Dennis Gates' program exits the signing period with the top class in the country, led by five-star prospects Jason Crowe and Toni Bryant, as well as a third SC Next 100 prospect in Aiden Chronister. Whom will the Tigers need to fend off in the coming months?

Duke is the most likely candidate, which shouldn't be a surprise since the Blue Devils have landed the No. 1 class in each of the past two seasons. The Blue Devils are still in pursuit of five-stars Jordan Smith and Deron Rippey Jr. Kentucky is the favorite for top-five recruit Christian Collins and is still in the mix for top-ranked Tyran Stokes. Lastly, don't count out Arkansas, despite missing on Babatunde Oladotun and Arafan Diane last week. The Razorbacks have top-10 guards Jordan Smith, Caleb Holt and Brandon McCoy on their board.

Risers and fallers: There are three new teams in the top 25: Houston, Purdue and West Virginia. The Cougars landed two top-30 recruits in Arafan Diane and Ikenna Alozie, while Purdue added its second SC Next 100 commit in Sinan Huan. West Virginia meanwhile received a pledge from top-25 prospect Miles Sadler.

Duke saw the biggest rise, going from No. 21 to No. 3 following the commitment of top-five prospect Cameron Williams. Maryland wasn't too far behind, jumping from No. 19 to No. 5 after top-10 recruit Babatunde Oladotun's commitment. Texas' first five-star commit under Sean Miller, Austin Goosby, brought the Longhorns from No. 17 up to No. 6. Meanwhile, Michigan State landing Ethan Taylor boosted the Spartans from No. 6 up to No. 2.

The biggest faller was Alabama, which went from No. 9 to completely out of the rankings after Chris Washington Jr. decommitted from the Crimson Tide.

Tyran Stokes and Bruce Branch III: There are a couple of wild-card recruitments at the top of the 2026 class. Stokes, the longtime No. 1 prospect, is down to three finalists: Kansas, Kentucky and Oregon. Kentucky was considered the prohibitive favorite for most of the past few months, but Stokes' recent high school transfer -- and the potential of the Wildcats landing Christian Collins -- has thrown that status into flux.

Branch III was the No. 2 prospect in the 2027 class, but he made the long-anticipated decision to reclassify into 2026 over the weekend. He recently turned 17 years old, meaning he'll be eligible for the 2027 NBA draft, which undoubtedly played a factor. Branch III's recruitment is sure to heat up after the reclassification news, with the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville, USC and BYU among the schools in the mix.

Who else can still move the needle? In addition to Stokes and Branch III, there are several other five-star prospects that will have an impact on the class rankings:

  • Jordan Smith: Duke has been the favorite, but Arkansas and Georgetown aren't out of the mix.

  • Christian Collins: Once thought to be a USC lean, Kentucky has become the front-runner for Collins.

  • Caleb Holt: This one has taken different forms over the past few months, but Alabama and Arizona have generated recent buzz. Arkansas, Houston and Kentucky remain in pursuit.

  • Brandon McCoy: Don't expect a commitment anytime soon. Arkansas and Oregon are in good positions.

  • Dylan Mingo: Baylor was considered the favorite, but Penn State -- where his brother Kayden Mingo plays -- is in the mix, and North Carolina made up ground after a recent visit.

  • Qayden Samuels: Thought to be an Alabama vs. Georgetown battle, with the Crimson Tide the favorite.

  • Jaxon Richardson: He has a final four of Alabama, Creighton, Ole Miss and USC.

  • Deron Rippey Jr.: Duke, Miami, NC State, Tennessee and Texas remain on the list for the point guard. He has taken visits to each of his finalists.

Note: Class rankings are determined by a mathematical formula weighting different factors related to the quality and quantity of players in the class.

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2025

See more:
5-star commit fits |
2026 player rankings

1. Missouri Tigers

No. 5 PG Jason Crowe
No. 14 PF Toni Bryant
No. 83 SF Aiden Chronister

After leading Missouri to one of the most impressive turnarounds in the country last season, Gates carried that momentum onto the recruiting trail. The Tigers hadn't landed a five-star prospect since the 2017 class; they have two in this one.

At this point in the cycle, they have the second highest-ranked commit in the class. Crowe led the Nike EYBL in scoring this past summer and is arguably the most explosive offensive player in the class. He's a left-handed guard who gets by his defender at will. He'll be joined in Columbia by fellow five-star Bryant, who was a priority early in the cycle for Gates -- he is tremendously athletic and excels in transition. Finally, Chronister is a prolific 3-point shooter who should get open looks courtesy of Crowe's drive-and-kick ability.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Crowe

He is not only the Tigers' most important recruit of this class, he is the second-highest ranked recruit ever to commit to Missouri, following No. 2 Michael Porter Jr. in 2017. Crowe brings immediate scoring prowess that is needed in tight SEC games. The bigger the stage, the bigger he plays.


2. Michigan State Spartans

No. 32 C Ethan Taylor
No. 50 SG Jasiah Jervis
No. 70 PF Julius Avent
No. 89 PG Carlos Medlock Jr.

After not landing a top-25 recruiting class in the last cycle, Tom Izzo bounced back in a strong way -- and the Spartans leave the signing period at No. 2 overall. The headliner is now Taylor, who announced his commitment during the period. He runs the floor well and should be a plus-player defensively right off the bat.

Jervis established himself early as a priority for the Spartans. The New York native is a terrific offensive player who had a strong summer and will bring an attack-minded skill set to East Lansing.

Medlock is an in-state product who now plays at Link Academy (Missouri) and is the son of former Eastern Michigan star guard Carlos Medlock. He's under 6-foot but is adept at beating defenders off the bounce and getting into playmaking positions.

Avent is another Northeast recruit and should fit the Michigan State archetype in the frontcourt -- he's long and doesn't shy away from contact.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Jervis

He scores the ball with from anywhere with efficiency. He is not afraid of defense and will guard on the perimeter, work to get over screens and rebound down. He is one of the best two-way scoring guards in the class and brings to mind former Spartan turned Milwaukee Buck Gary Harris.


3. Duke Blue Devils

No. 3 PF Cameron Williams
No. 20 SF Bryson Howard
Four-star C Maxime Meyer

Despite the recent addition of Williams, Duke's class remains far from finished, as the Blue Devils remain heavily in the mix for multiple five-star prospects. Williams singlehandedly boosted the class into the top 3 nationally, choosing Duke over Arizona and Texas. He has some of the best long-term potential in the class and should make an immediate impact at both ends of the floor.

Howard was a key get for Jon Scheyer, though, picking Duke over North Carolina and Kentucky. He was one of the biggest risers in the country during the spring and summer, bringing outstanding perimeter shooting.

Meyer is more of a project, but he'll be a multiyear college player and will have time to develop in Durham.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Williams

Duke will have high-level rim protection next season along with 3-point ability from the 6-11 five-star. The mobile big man has as made a steady climb to the top of the rankings. He will acquire more strength, a better base and lower leverage once he steps on campus. His upside and tools make him a future draft lottery pick.


4. Kansas Jayhawks

No. 17 PG Taylen Kinney
No. 46 PF Davion Adkins
No. 77 SF Trent Perry
Four-star SG Luke Barnett

One year after landing potential No. 1 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson, Bill Self is building his 2026 class around an immediate-impact, elite point guard. Kinney has the size and playmaking ability to cause matchup problems against smaller backcourts, is a terrific scorer with a variety of finishing moves and is developing as a playmaker.

Self secured a string of pledges in the wake of Kinney's commitment, starting with Perry three days later, then Adkins a week after that. The Jayhawks also landed a top-50 recruit for the class of 2027, Javon Bardwell, in-between Perry and Adkins. Adkins' physical tools portend an incredibly high ceiling. Perry, meanwhile, is long and should give help at both ends of the floor.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Kinney

He will provide stability and high-end scoring as the lead guard following Peterson's expected departure for the NBA. Kinney plays the most important position on the floor with confidence and skill. He is the catalyst of this class.


5. Maryland Terrapins

No. 8 PF Babatunde Oladotun
No. 47 SG Kaden House
Four-star PF Austin Brown
Four-star PF Adama Tambedou

The Terps jumped into the rankings when House committed on Halloween and then skyrocketed into the top five following Oladotun's commitment toward the end of the signing period. Oladotun was a statement recruit for Buzz Williams, who beat out Arkansas and Georgetown for him. He's an effective shotmaker at 6-10 and can guard multiple positions.

The son of former NBA veteran Eddie House, Kaden House is a big-time scorer who loves to get into the teeth of the defense and finish in traffic. Williams will love House's intensity on the defensive end of the floor, too.

Tambedou is a physical force on the interior who dominates the offensive glass and finishes with power.

Biancardi's most import recruit: Oladotun

He gives Maryland a major upgrade of talent and sends a statement that the Terrapins staff are serious about keeping the best local talent at home. Williams has a proven track record in player development and winning.


6. Texas Longhorns

No. 19 SG Austin Goosby
No. 42 SF Bo Ogden
No. 93 SG Joe Sterling
Three-star C Coleman Elkins

Sean Miller didn't land any high school recruits in his first spring at the helm in Austin, but he transformed his future perimeter group with his 2026 group. Five-star guard Austin Goosby is the biggest name for next season, picking Texas over BYU. He was the top player in the state of Texas, and has shown two-way potential given his ability to play either guard spot and disrupt the game defensively.

Ogden was a terrific first pickup in September. He was one of the best scorers on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and is a truly elite perimeter shooter, making nearly 53% of his 3-point attempts last spring and summer.

Sterling is another excellent shooter, making better than 44% of his 3s on the Puma circuit last summer.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Goosby

Miller and staff made up ground to secure his commitment. Goosby scores and playmakes as a combination guard with terrific positional size. On defense, he displays a knack to block shots with his wingspan. Under Miller's tutelage, he has a chance to get to the next level.


7. Oklahoma State Cowboys

No. 36 PF Latrell Allmond
No. 44 SF Jalen Montonati
No. 96 SG Parker Robinson

Steve Lutz leaned on the transfer portal for this season's roster, but is looking to establish a foundation in Stillwater with a 2026 group headlined by three top-100 prospects. Allmond is the top name of the group after a terrific summer on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He can really make an impact around the rim, and is capable of playing with his back to the basket and dominating the backboards at both ends of the floor. He has also shown a developing face-up game out to the perimeter.

Lutz made it a priority to keep Montonati in his home state as the top recruit in Oklahoma -- he is a shooter who moves really well without the ball. And Robinson, who plays for Overtime Elite, has been on the radar since early in his high school career and will bring a versatile offensive game.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Montonati

His dad, Brian Montonati, played for the Cowboys, averaging 12.1 points per game and 7.2 rebounds as a senior in 1999-2000. Jalen is more perimeter based with the résumé of a terrific shooter and the ability to read his defender, space the floor and shoot off screens.


8. Pitt Panthers

No. 39 PF Chase Foster
No. 71 SG Jermal Jones
No. 76 SF Anthony Felesi

October was a massive month for Jeff Capel and the Panthers. They landed all three of their 2026 commitments in a three-week span, catapulting all the way to No. 4 in these rankings.

Jones was the first off the board. He can play either backcourt position and should make an impact at both ends of the floor with his athleticism and defensive versatility. His high school teammate, Foster, followed less than two weeks later. Foster is one of the highest-ranked commits of the Capel era, slotting in as one of the 10 best power forwards in the country. He's a high-ceiling prospect with tremendous upside due to his physical tools and developing offensive game.

Rounding out the trio is Felesi, who picked the Panthers in late October. Pitt beat out several big-time schools for his pledge, and he's only getting better.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Foster

He provides offense as an aggressive driver who can make an occasional 3-pointer with nice positional size to play the big wing or as a power forward. His frame is ready for ACC action -- he already makes athletic plays at and above the rim. He is a potential X factor defensively, with anticipatory skills for deflections and steals, along with shot-blocking instincts. Foster is one of Capel's highest-rated recruits at Pitt.


9. Vanderbilt Commodores

No. 49 PG Anthony Brown Jr.
No. 90 SF Ethan Mgbako
No. 94 C Jackson Sheffield

The Commodores hadn't landed a single recruit ranked in the SC Next 100 since the 2018 class, when they got three top-100 prospects. Fast-forward seven years, and coach Mark Byington and Vandy sit as one of just six programs with three top-100 recruits already in the fold.

Brown is the highest ranked of the group. The point guard had a terrific summer on the Nike EYBL circuit and is a high-usage scorer and distributor with plenty of playmaking chops. Mgbako is the younger brother of former five-star prospect and current Texas A&M forward Mackenzie Mgbako, and is beginning to expand his offensive game on a similar trajectory. Sheffield does most of his work around the rim and is physically ready for the college game.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Brown

Byington will need Brown to score against high-level defenses in SEC play. He already demonstrates the toughness required to succeed in the high-powered conference.


10. Arkansas Razorbacks

No. 12 SF JaShawn Andrews
No. 31 SF Abdou Toure

A highly ranked John Calipari recruiting class shouldn't surprise anyone. He finished with the No. 3 class in 2025, his first full cycle at Arkansas, after consistently competing near the top at Kentucky and Memphis.

Calipari was able to keep the best prospect in the state of Arkansas home for college, closing strong to beat out Missouri and LSU for Andrews' commitment. The 12th-ranked recruit has tremendous physical tools and showed improvement on his perimeter shot over the spring and summer. The Razorbacks moved into the top five in early October after edging out Providence for Toure, a Connecticut native who is a terrific athlete and finisher, and difficult to stop when he gets going to the rim.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Andrews

His commitment sends a message that Calipari is committed to keeping the best homegrown talent in a cardinal-and-white uniform. Andrews is not only highly productive as a super athletic talent, he's also a strong driver of team culture.


11. Houston Cougars

No. 21 Arafan Diane
No. 27 PG Ikenna Alozie

Houston didn't have a single commitment entering the second week of the early signing period, but now has two top-30 recruits. And both fit Kelvin Sampson's system perfectly.

Diane is arguably the best high school center -- and inarguably the most physically dominant center -- in the country. The 7-footer controls the paint and the backboards but is more skilled as a passer than you might think.

Alozie has been on high-major radars since early in his high school career, and he's physically ready for the college game. He possesses tremendous athleticism and speed with the ball in his hands and is nearly impossible to keep out of the lane when he's able to get downhill. He's also an active defender, especially on the ball. Sampson will love his defensive motor.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Diane

Diane brings enormous size, girth and great hands with inside touch. Still new to the game and originally from Guinea, once he seals his defender in the paint he is hard to stop. Make no mistake, he will be an immediate inside presence on both ends of the court for Houston.


12. Mississippi State Bulldogs

No. 67 SG Willie Burnett III
No. 78 C Tristan Reed
Four-star SF Jalyn Collingwood
Four-star C Ladarius Givan

Since Chris Jans took over in Starkville, he has guided Mississippi State to three straight NCAA tournaments -- and now he has back-to-back ranked recruiting classes. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 cycle with the No. 12 group in the country, and this one might be even better.

Burnett is a big-time offensive player who will help replace Josh Hubbard's scoring next season; he won't be afraid of stepping into a sizable role. And Reed is the younger brother of UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., possessing similar physicality and length. His early impact will likely come on the defensive end.

Four-star prospects Collingwood and Givan round out the quartet, with the Bulldogs dipping into the mid-Atlantic region for both players. Collingwood had a strong summer, while Givan committed in July 2024 to start the class.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Reed

He gives Mississippi State a true center with legitimate size who can produce on both ends. At 6-9 with a 7-3 wingspan, Reed plays a power game. He is a shot blocker and rim protector on the defensive end of the floor with a post presence on the other, executing with his back to the basket by making and maintaining contact with his defender for paint points.


13. Stanford Cardinal

No. 40 SF Aziz Olajuwon
Four-star PG Julius Price
Four-star SG Isaiah Rogers
Four-star SG Elias Obenyah

Kyle Smith landed his first SC Next 100 recruit in September when Olajuwon chose the Cardinal over Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem, Olajuwon took a big jump over the summer, showing real development as a passer and perimeter shooter.

Both Rogers and Obenyah are capable of making plays with the ball in their hands and will bring backcourt depth to Palo Alto, while Price is an excellent 3-point shooter who could prove to be a savvy addition for Smith.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Olajuwon

A big wing with scoring and shooting ability, he helps elevate the Cardinal roster with talent and name recognition. He produced and played very well on the Nike EYBL circuit this past summer. There is plenty of room for growth in his game and he has the potential to be the go-to guy for Stanford.


14. Purdue Boilermakers

No. 65 PG Luke Ertel
No. 100 C Sinan Huan
Four-star SF Jacob Webber
Three-star C Rivers Knight

With one of the oldest teams in Division I and a starting lineup featuring four seniors this season -- as well as a propensity to build via the high school ranks instead of the transfer portal -- Matt Painter knew he had to get plenty of reinforcements on the recruiting trail in this class. The highest-ranked prospect in the Boilermakers' group has also been committed the longest, picking Purdue back in August 2024. Ertel is tough, he can create for others and he's a very good 3-point shooter.

Seven-footer Huan was the commitment that vaulted Purdue into the top 25; he's a left-handed big man with shot-blocking ability and developing face-up touch on the offensive end.

While he's not ranked in the SC Next 100, Webber will make an impact in West Lafayette with his shooting -- he's one of the elite perimeter shotmakers in the class.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Huan

Painter has a successful track record in developing post players, and Huan has both inside and face-up ability to score and pass with vision and instincts. He doesn't mind contact, and with added strength and playing lower he will produce even more. An All-Big Ten performer with progress.


15. Oregon Ducks

No. 24 SF Tajh Ariza
No. 61 PF Kendre Harrison

Oregon has an intriguing two-player class, with Ariza -- son of former NBA veteran Trevor Ariza -- the bigger priority. The Ducks beat out USC for his commitment after he missed the summer with an injury, but his ceiling is as high as any wing in the class. He has great passing ability for his size and possesses impressive physical tools.

Harrison committed to Oregon last November for both football and basketball. He is more highly regarded on the gridiron despite his top-100 standing on the hoops side. He's a five-star football recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Ariza

He brings a wealth of physical tools and skill to the court at 6-9 with a 7-plus-foot wingspan. His versatility stands out as his greatest strength -- he has demonstrated the ability to rebound on defense and push the ball in transition to either finish the play of facilitate to an open man.


16. West Virginia Mountaineers

No. 23 PG Miles Sadler
Four-star C Aliou Dioum
Four-star PG Kingston Whitty

West Virginia was one of the biggest movers during the signing period, going from unranked to No. 16 on the strength of Sadler's commitment. Sadler chose the Mountaineers over a list that also included Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maryland, UCLA and USC. He's a terrific playmaker, capable of finishing himself or getting his teammates involved. He's difficult for defenders to stay in front of due to his speed and ability to read the game. His defense will also be an immediate asset.

Coach Ross Hodge also landed a pair of four-stars in the class in Dioum and Whitty. Dioum came alive in July at the Nike Peach Jam, showing shot-blocking potential and improved efficiency around the rim.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Sadler

The most important position in basketball is still the point guard. Sadler penetrates and touches the paint at will, and at times is a one-man press break. Hodge has his trusted PG on the way to Morgantown.


17. Michigan Wolverines

No. 54 C Quinn Costello
No. 81 SG Joseph Hartman
Three-star SF Malachi Brown
International C Marcus Moller

Given the way Dusty May has operated with multiple bigs in his lineups the past couple seasons, it's no surprise the Wolverines' 2026 class has plenty of size.

Costello was one of the bigger breakouts last spring as a stretch big who can make shots from the perimeter, while 7-3 Danish center Moller has generated some buzz. One of them could find themselves in a role next season.

Hartman, meanwhile, can really shoot from 3.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Costello

An excellent outside shooting big man with advanced footwork to match his shot, Costello's value is endless on the offensive end who instantly opens driving lines and plays with grit.


18. LSU Tigers

No. 56 SF Kevin Thomas
No. 82 SF Herly Brutus
Four-star SF Marcus Vaughns

Matt McMahon needs a big season on the court this season, but he has already done well to build future rosters in Baton Rouge.

A 6-6 wing from Montverde Academy (Fla.), Thomas is a tremendous athlete who is at his best in the open floor. And Brutus' best attributes come on the defensive end right now, but he's another strong transition player who continues to get better from the perimeter.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Thomas

A high-end future SEC athlete with a developing skill presence, Thomas makes his presence felt in the open floor and above the rim. As his outside shot comes around, he becomes more complete.


19. Florida State Seminoles

No. 62 C Marcis Ponder
Four-star PF Collin Paul
Four-star PG Jasen Lopez
Four-star SG Brandon Bass Jr.

Luke Loucks' first full recruiting class at Florida State is deep, with four four-star prospects. Ponder is the big name as a massive 6-11, 300-plus-pound center who fits the ethos Florida State established under Leonard Hamilton.

Paul and Bass will help on the perimeter. Paul is a long wing playmaker, while the left-handed Bass is an excellent shooter from the perimeter. Finally, Lopez is a two-sport star who plays wide receiver in football.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Ponder

If Ponder continues to commit to his conditioning program, he could be one of the most talked about and recognized freshman in the ACC. He is physically imposing right now, and he is putting up big numbers.


20. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

No. 87 C Moustapha Diop
No. 99 PF Jalan Wingfield
Four-star SG Kaiden Bailey

Georgia Tech had a top-20 recruiting class in 2025, as Damon Stoudamire landed a class led by top-30 prospect Mouhamed Sylla. There's nobody on Sylla's level in this group yet, but Diop and Wingfield provide frontcourt reinforcements should Sylla and Baye Ndongo turn pro. Diop can really run the floor, while Wingfield is the more physical of the two players. Both have high ceilings.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Diop

He has the frame and measurables to make a difference for Georgia Tech next season. As he matures and gives greater effort, he will be able to do work in the paint, on the glass and at the rim.


21. Gonzaga Bulldogs

No. 37 SF Luca Foster
Four-star C Sam Funches
Four-star SG Jack Kayil

Gonzaga landed all three of its recruits in October, saving its best addition -- Foster -- for the final week of the month. He's at his best in catch-and-shoot situations from the perimeter, but is also capable of getting points in the midrange. Kayil has generated plenty of attention overseas, as the Germany native has represented his country on the FIBA circuit. And Funches will be more of a depth piece early on, but he's incredibly long and can protect the rim.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Foster

An intriguing recruit. Foster possesses the tools and talent to produce at the high major level, and he projects to be an impactful player.


22. UConn Huskies

No. 43 SG Junior County
No. 63 SF Colben Landrew

UConn had a top-five recruiting class in 2025, landing multiple top-25 recruits in the same class for the first time since the ESPN recruiting database launched in 2007. The Huskies might not end up far off that number when all is said and done with the 2026 class. County is a combo guard who can make plays as a scorer or distributor and plays with a motor, while Landrew is a fast-rising wing who combines toughness with a developing offensive game.

Biancardi's most important recruit: County

The top-50 County brings an all-around game to the backcourt and more as a competitive defender who's scratching the surface of his future potential. With his size, basketball IQ and talent he makes the game simple for himself and others. He will contribute early and often for UConn.


23. Ohio State Buckeyes

No. 13 SF Anthony Thompson
Four-star PF Alex Smith

Ohio State's potential ranking has fluctuated massively over the past few weeks. When Thompson committed in mid-October, it looked like the Buckeyes were poised for a top-10 class. A week later, though, top-30 prospect Marcus Johnson decommitted after being in the fold for more than 18 months. Jake Diebler still has a strong group, as Thompson is the program's highest-ranked men's basketball recruit in more than a decade.

Bianacardi's most important recruit: Thompson

The five-star recruit is a 3-point threat and a legitimate size and shooting on the wing to build around.


24. USC Trojans

No. 52 C Darius Ratliff
No. 86 C Adonis Ratliff

Expect USC to rise in these rankings over the next few months, as the Ratliffs themselves move up in the SC Next 100 after battling injuries last summer -- and as the Trojans pursue the rest of their class. Darius is the more physically ready of the twins, capable of making an impact defensively as a rim protector and on the glass. Adonis is poised for a massive jump, raising eyebrows after the 7-footer made nine 3s in a game earlier this fall. He's also a switchable defender who can block shots.

Biancardi's most important recruit: The Ratliff twins

No one has seemed to separate them yet, so why try now? Both are now coming into their own and both have NBA draft potential. A strong senior season of intense, injury-free basketball will show what they are capable of next season at USC.


25. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

No. 80 PF Gavin Placide
Four-star PF Gallagher Placide
Four-star SG Quentin Coleman

Wake Forest's class starts with the twin brother duo of Gavin and Gallagher Placide. Gavin is the better of the two at this stage of their development -- he's aggressive on the offensive end and is relentless on the glass for second chances. Gallagher is the better shooter, though, and spends more time on the perimeter.

Coleman had a standout summer and can play either guard spot.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Gavin Placide

Landing twins who can both be a factor in your program is a major bonus. Gavin not only has the upside to be an All-ACC performer over his career, he will be inserted into the lineup to produce right away.


Dropped out: Alabama (No. 9), Nebraska (No. 24), NC State (No. 25)